We’re at our best when it matters most.
The average lawyer is sued at least once in their career, and most never see it coming. Find help to face the unexpected — with the industry’s most experienced claims team.
The right support for every step
Facing a malpractice claim is tough, but understanding how the process works can help you feel more prepared. Here’s how we support you every step of the way:
If something happens in your practice that concerns you, call and talk to one of our claims attorneys, who will offer reassurance and walk you through the next steps.
While you get back to your daily routine, we get to work. Our defense counsel and claims attorneys — who have decades of experience — get together to develop a solid plan for your defense.
Your defense counsel and our claims attorneys will collaborate with each other and with you until a resolution is reached.
Once a resolution is reached, the claim will be closed.
Marianna Utin Esq.
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Chris Fagan Esq.
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Ryan Kelly Esq.
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Martha Amrine Esq.
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Tami Harwood Esq.
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Colleen Zaniewski Esq.
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Carla Morman Esq.
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See how we come through.
As an AttPro insured, we’ll be in your corner (and fighting) when it matters most. See how our claims team makes a difference for attorneys like you.
Claims Defended By AttPro
APPELLATE LAW
ALLEGATION: Missed Critical Deadline
CASE: A client hired an attorney to handle the appeal of a significant civil judgment. The underlying case involved a large financial dispute where the trial court had awarded damages against the client. The appeal was the client’s last chance to challenge both the judgment and the trials court’s interpretation of certain contract provisions. Due to a breakdown in internal calendaring, the attorney miscalculated the deadline for the filing of the opening appellate brief. By the time the mistake was caught, the statutory filing window had passed. The attorney requested an extension from the court, but was denied. The client lost the opportunity to challenge the judgment on appeal and was obligated to satisfy the adverse ruling in its entirety.
RESULT: The client subsequently filed a malpractice claim against the appellate attorney, alleging that the missed filing date deprived them of their only chance to obtain relief from the trial court ruling. Although the attorney argued that the appeal might not have ultimately succeeded, the loss of the client’s right to appeal was viewed as a significant, irreplaceable harm. After approximately 2 years, the matter was settled.
DEFENSE COST: In addition to indemnity [the loss payment], defense costs totaled nearly $20,000.
INDEMNITY: Around $30,000 was paid to the client to compensate for the value of the lost appellate opportunity and the enforceability of the trial courts judgment. Making the total claim amount approximately $50,000.
BANKRUPTCY LAW
ALLEGATION: Failure to Properly Identify and Exempt Access
CASE: A bankruptcy attorney was retained to handle a debtor’s Chapter 7 filing and fully disclose all assets including a family owned parcel of land. The attorney was responsible for determining which assets qualified for exemption under the applicable law. It was alleged that the attorney incorrectly classified the family property as nonexempt. As a result, the bankruptcy trustee treated the land as an available asset and proceeded with it’s sale to satisfy creditor claims. The debtors lost the property, which carried both financial and sentimental significance. The attorney was subsequently sued for malpractice after neglecting to correctly identify and exempt certain assets.
RESULT: After years of proceedings, a settlement was ultimately reached.
DEFENSE COST: Around $45,000 was paid to defend the attorney against this claim.
INDEMNITY: Approximately $40,000 was paid to compensate for the loss of the family land.
CLASS ACTION LAW
ALLEGATION: Failure to Oppose Defense Motions and Missed Deadline
CASE: A plaintiff’s attorney was retained to represent a group of employees in a class action lawsuit against a regional warehouse distribution company. The claim centered around alleged wage-and-hour violations. During the litigation, the defense filed several motions to dismiss portions of the complaint and compel arbitration. The attorney failed to timely oppose these motions and also missed a critical filing deadline for a motion to certify the class. As a result, key claims were dismissed and the court denied class certification. This significantly weakened the plaintiffs’ case and led several members of the class to pursue a malpractice claim against the attorney.
RESULT: A favorable outcome was agreed upon based on the total value of the case.
DEFENSE COST: Around $50,000 was paid in defense cost in defending the attorney.
INDEMNITY: Approximately $80,000 was paid on behalf of the attorney to resolve the claim.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
ALLEGATION: Ineffective Assistance of Counsel During the Plea Negotiations and Trial
CASE: An attorney represented a client charged with drug trafficking. The prosecution offered a plea deal of 5 years in prison. The defendant rejected the plea and proceeded to trial, ultimately receiving a sentence of over 15 years. Two years later, the defendant filed a legal malpractice lawsuit against the attorney, alleging that they received poor legal advice which led to the rejection of the favorable plea bargain. The plaintiff argued that the attorney failed to fully explain the risks and consequences of going to trial.
RESULT: The malpractice case was defended successfully. The plaintiff could not provide sufficient evidence of malpractice.
DEFENSE COST: The cost of defending the attorney against the malpractice claim was approximately $70,000 in legal fees and related expenses.
INDEMNITY: The lawsuit was dismissed, resulting in $0 indemnity paid to the plaintiff.
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